Network with Leaders at MODC’s 36th Annual Golf Open & Dinner
The MODC (Monmouth-Ocean Development Council), Wall Township, is hosting its 36th Annual Golf Open and dinner, Monday, August 19 at the Jumping Brook Country Club, 210 Jumping Brook Road, Neptune, New Jersey, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Each golfer will receive a goodie bag.
A silent auction will be open for bids during the cocktail reception and awards dinner. Dinner only is $65.00; a single golfer costs $325.00; Sponsors range from $150.00 to $3000.00 and come with many amenities.
Registration begins at 11:00 a.m.; lunch and driving range from Noon to 1:00 p.m.; Shot Gun start with Scramble Format and on-course refreshments at 1:00 p.m.; and cocktails and award at 6:00 p.m. Awards include team prizes, closest to the pin, longest drive, and straightest drive.
Brian Waldron, HFA, and Chris Church, PCS (Tech/IT Services), are the golf committee co-chairmen. Other golf committee members are Tom Ando, Ocean First Bank; Matt Appel, Beacon Wealth Partners; Nancy Barone, CentraState Healthcare Foundation; Joseph Campi, King Financial Network; Solomon Chemo, Richmond Wealth Management; Brian Foster, BFF Lending Services, Inc.; Thomas Gilmour, Asbury Park Music Foundation; Thomas Hayes, New Jersey Natural Gas; Barton Henderson, Henderson Promos; Lynn Maurer, TD Bank; Thomas Yorke, Oceanic Capital Management, LLC; and Ben Waldron.
The MODC thanks its sponsors. The Event Sponsor is New Jersey Natural Gas and the Major Sponsor is HFA, certified public accountants and advisors. The Major Putting Green Sponsor is HBK, CPAs & Consultants.
To register, visit www.MODC.com and click on Upcoming Events. For questions, contact modcstaff@modc.com or call 732-751-8696
MODC Elects New President and Board Members for 2024
Christine Hanlon, the Monmouth County Clerk, recently inducted a new president and board members for The MODC (Monmouth-Ocean Development Council), Wall Township, at the Lobster Shanty, Point Pleasant. Thomas Gilmour, founding trustee of the Asbury Park Music Foundation, was named the president of MODC for a two-year term, replacing Matt Appel, Beacon Wealth Partners, who completed his two-year term. Other new executive committee members for 2024 are Charlene Archer, Treasurer; Karen Campi, Secretary; John Casagrande; John LeMay; Steve Reinman; and Linda Savino. Brian Waldron was re-elected to the Executive Committee.
The newest board members for 2024 are Ian Singer, Director of Marketing for Davison Eastman Munoz Paone, P.A.; Maria Caputo, Monmouth Medical Center; Dr. Jared Morris, Monmouth County Vocational School District; Dr. Michael Maschi, Ocean County Vocational Technical School; Chris Curcia, OceanFirst Bank; Charlene Archer, Manasquan Bank; Bart Henderson, Henderson Promos; and Andrew Oeftering, UPTECH360 Corporation.
Continuing MODC Board Members for 2024 include John Gagliano, Counsel; Nancy Barone, MODC Past President; Lynn Maurer; Joseph Imbriale; Frank Preston; Kim Sambade; Louisa Vroman; Denise Gaffney; Chris Emigholz; Anthony Agliata; Bob McLane; John Kalli; Eileen Higgins; Marilee Pettit; Gary Pollack; Brian Foster; Commissioner Tom Arnone; Doug Lyons; Fran Kirschner; Kayci Clayton; Craig Trautweiler; Chris Church; Ron Reisner; Anthony Faugno; Karen Guarasi; and Toby Stark.
Jodi Grinwald, CEO of the Monmouth-Ocean Development Council, thanked former president Matt Appel for his leadership and service to MODC. She also thanked and recognized the board members whose term ended due to term limits for their dedication: Heather Barberi from the Grunin Foundation; Jennifer Edmonds of Georgian Court University; Charles Ford of Monmouth County Vocational School; Karen Homiek of Ocean County Vocational Technical School; and Kristine Novakowski, of Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity.
Contact Jodi Grinwald, MODC’s chief executive officer, at jodi@modc.com for any questions. Visit https://modc.com. to learn more about MODC.
Lakewood Fire Department Welcomes Full-time Career Firefighters
The Lakewood Board of Fire Commissioners and Fire Chief Jonathan T. Yahr recently announced the hiring of eight new full-time firefighters, who were officially sworn in at a ceremony at Fire Headquarters, 733 Cedar Bridge Avenue, Lakewood. This occasion marked the beginning of a new paid fire company for the district, enhancing its capacity to serve and protect the community. The ceremony was attended by local officials, family members, community supporters, and fellow firefighters.
The newly sworn-in firefighters are Luke P. Hanlon, Brett A. Hebrew, Louis F. Nazzaro, Qua’dry W. Lyons, Andrew J. Sanchez, John Z. Paitakis, Vincent J. Vacchiano, and Michael J. Muratore.
Chief Yahr, who presided over the ceremony, expressed his pride and optimism for the future of the department. “Today is a significant milestone for our fire department and the entire community. The addition of another fire company staffed 24/7, 365 days a year, ensures that we are better equipped to respond to emergencies and safeguard our residents.”
The establishment of this new paid fire company is a strategic move to bolster the district’s fire and emergency response capabilities, adding to two existing full-time paid fire companies and the volunteer fire companies. This initiative reflects the ongoing commitment of the Board of Fire Commissioners to provide the highest level of service and protection to the community.
Fire District Administrator Yehuda Beer emphasized that The Lakewood Board of Fire Commissioners is dedicated to addressing the community’s vast growth. Their steadfast and unwavering commitment is to address fire service needs while simultaneously maximizing fire protection within the fiscal constraints of the taxpayers. These appointments are a reflection of their commitment.
The recruitment of volunteer firefighters remains ongoing and the Lakewood Fire District Board of Fire Commissioners, and Lakewood Fire Department Fire Chief Jonathan Yahr, continue to seek individuals who have a desire to serve the Lakewood Community. Individuals interested in becoming volunteer firefighters are encouraged to visit the Fire District website at www.lakewoodfd.org and submit the requested information expressing their interest through the “Join” link.
Photo taken by Lakewood Fire Dept: At podium Fire Chief Jonathan T. Yahr. Inductees (l to rt.) Luke P. Hanlon, Brett A. Hebrew, Louis F. Nazzaro, Qua’dry W. Lyons, Andrew J. Sanchez, John Z. Paitakis, Vincent J. Vacchiano, and Michael J. Muratore.
Lakewood Fire Depart Conducted High Rise Training at Local Construction Site
The Lakewood Fire Department recently conducted a high-rise operations training session at a building under construction at 1600 Avenue of the States, Lakewood. This exercise provided an invaluable opportunity for firefighters to hone their skills in standpipe system operations, ensuring that they are well-prepared for high-rise emergencies.
The training included the use of a drafting tank, with support from the Pleasant Plains Fire Department, who provided their tanker tender and drafting tank. While not necessary for this building or area, the inclusion of the drafting tank was an excellent training opportunity for firefighters. It allowed them to practice drafting from a drafting tank while providing water to a fire, which is essential for areas in town that do not have fire hydrants.
Yehuda Beer, Fire District Administrator, said, “We extend our sincere gratitude to the building owner Mark Chopp, and the project manager Chaim Friedman, for allowing the use of their premises for this critical training. Their cooperation significantly enhances our ability to protect the community effectively. We also thank the Pleasant Plains Fire Department for their collaboration and resources, which greatly contributed to the success of the training.”
The Lakewood Fire Department continually seeks realistic training environments to better prepare for various emergency scenarios. If anyone owns a house or building and are willing to support training efforts, please contact the Lakewood Fire Department via the website at www.lakewoodfd.org/contact/. Public assistance is crucial in helping maintain the highest level of readiness and safety for the community.
For more information, please visit our website or contact the Lakewood Fire Department at www.LakewoodFD.org. or contact Yehuda Beer at 732-354-5151.
Outdoor Fire Safety Information from the Lakewood Fire Department
Sima Clapman, Lakewood Fire Department Fire Prevention Specialist, and the members of the Lakewood Fire Department are reminding people to stay safe during those wonderful cookouts whether they are at home or during camping. If you are grilling, place your grill away from siding, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. Don’t walk away from the grill once it is lit — Keep an eye on the grill at all times. To keep kids and pets safe, keep a 3-foot safety zone around your grill.
If you plan to build a campfire or a fire pit, keep it at least 25-feet away from tents, shrubs, and anything that can burn. Turn off or put out fires before you leave the backyard or camp site. Be sure to watch children when the fire pit is in use. Store matches and lighters out of the sight and reach of children.
Fireworks are dangerous to people and pets. Using them puts your property at risk. Sparklers can reach 1,200 degrees F and cause 3rd degree burns.
For additional fire safety information for parents, children, and educators, visit the Lakewood Fire Department’s website at lakewoodfd.org. or call 732-364-5151.
Greater Toms River Chamber Announces 2024 Scholarship Winners and Donors
The Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce (GTRCC) held its Scholarship Cocktail Reception recently at the Bacchus Winemaking Club, Toms River, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. to announce its 2024 scholarship recipients and recognize Toms River High School South Business Academy students who had received scholarships earlier. The Four Seasons Diner, Toms River, catered the dinner.
The donors and scholarships presented are Andrew Borden Memorial Scholarship awarded to Makayla Legaspi, Toms River HS South; Community Medical Center Scholarship to Morgan Rodemann, Toms River HS North; Marilyn D. Brilliant Memorial Scholarship to Brialis Phan, Toms River HS North; Frost Science Scholarship to David Njoo, Toms River HS North; Marie E. Wolff Memorial Scholarship to Andrew Cagliostro, MATES; Narcissus Florals, Floral Partner, Scholarship to Sophia Harmer, Toms River HS North; Denise Hughes Scholarship for the Arts & Science Scholarship to Kayla Matthews, Central Regional HS; Farro’s Tees Scholarship to Josh Rhine, Toms River HS South; McGeehan Realty Group Scholarship – Matthew Goldman, Manchester Township High School; George P. Vanderveer American Legion Post 129 Scholarship to Amanda Brown, Donovan Catholic High School; Ocean County Artists Guild Scholarship to R. Joseph Latshaw III; GTRCC Foundation Scholarship to Amanda Barr, Toms River HS East; and the GTRCC Foundation Lucy Green Scholarship was awarded to Isabella Chiaravallo, Donovan Catholic High School.
Toms River High School South Business Academy students were also celebrated for winning 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in the TRSBA Tribal Council. Scholarships were awarded by M&T Bank to Alyssa Schenk and Eloise Weintraub for First Place; Press Communications to Jarrod Johnson for Second Place; and Farro’s Tees to Faith Jenkins & Emma Stich for Third Place.
The Chamber’s Annual Presenting Partners included Creative Click Media and Kean Ocean University.
Philip Brilliant, chairman of the GTRCC Foundation, said, “At the core of the Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s mission, is its unwavering dedication to fostering education. Our foundation serves as a beacon of hope for students in our community, offering them the opportunity to pursue their academic dreams.
“Every scholarship awarded by the Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce Foundation is a life-changing opportunity. It’s not just about financial support; it’s about transforming lives, nurturing talents, and encouraging ambition. Our scholarships pave the way for students to achieve their academic goals and embark on successful careers.”
Greater Toms River Chamber is located at 1415 Hooper Avenue, Suite 305-G. For more information visit www.tomsriverchamber.com or denise@tomsriverchamber.com. Also call 732-349-0220 ext. 3.
Disability Etiquette in the Workplace – Join HR Professionals for a Virtual Meeting June 27
JSAHR (Jersey Shore Association for Human Resources) professionals, open to the public, will hold a virtual meeting on Thursday, June 27 from Noon to 1:00 p.m. about disability etiquette for recruiters, managers, and co-workers through stories, real life examples, and audience participation to illustrate the value of disability etiquette in a company culture.
The speaker Kate Kennedy PHR, SHRM-CP, MSM, MSHRM, has more than 10 years of experience in HR. The majority of her career has been in non-profit and social service agencies that served individuals with disabilities. Over the last 30 years, she has spoken on similar topics about individuals with disabilities at the GSC SHRM State Conference, SHRM chapters, and The South Eastern Theatre Conference
Kennedy is currently the President Elect of CNJ SHRM, Workforce Readiness Co-Chairwoman for the Garden State Council, and a volunteer for the GSC SHRM State Conference. She is also co-creator and facilitator for the Global Play Brigade’s “How to Find Your Superpower” workshop.
The fee for members is $10.00 and $15.00 for non-members. Register at: http://jsahr.shrm.org/events or admin@jsahr.org or call JSAHR at 732-701-7155 to receive a link to the program.
JSAHR is a SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) affiliated chapter. This program is pending one (1) SHRM PDC and one (1) HRCI (Human Resource Certification Institute) recertification credit.
Lakewood Youths Are Invited to Attend the Lakewood Police Youth Academy in Its 19th Year
Lakewood Police Department School Resource Officers have organized a free 2024 Youth Police Academy for Lakewood youths in grades 6, 7, and 8, from August 7 through August 16, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily at the Piner Elementary School, 1141 E. County Line Road, Lakewood. Recruits will receive lunch each day.
This immersive program, designed to engage students in an educational and interactive exploration of law enforcement and public safety, fosters positive community relations and shapes the future leaders of tomorrow.
Academy participants will experience a wide variety of activities, including demonstrations from the Lakewood Emergency Medical Services Department; the Lakewood Fire Department; and specialized units, such as the Lakewood Police SRT (Special Response Team), K9, and Water Rescue.
One of the highlights of this year’s academy will be its emphasis on hands-on learning. Recruits will also gain valuable insights into the roles and responsibilities of professionals from various public safety agencies. Scheduled trips this year include a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Tour at the Atlantic City International Airport, a visit to the Academy of Law & Public Safety (ALPS), and an exclusive tour of the Lakewood Police Department.
Parents of accepted recruits are required to attend a mandatory meeting on Tuesday, August 6 at 7:00 PM. in the Lakewood Township Municipal Courtroom, 231 Third Street. This meeting will provide essential information about the program and ensure that parents and guardians are well-informed about their child’s participation.
Registration for the 2024 Lakewood Police Youth Academy must be completed by June 30th. To register, visit the Lakewood Police Department website at https://www.lakewoodpolicenj.com. For inquiries and additional information, contact the Lakewood Police School Resource Officers at SRO@lakewoodpolicenj.com or call 732-363-0200, ext. 8293.
Lakewood Police School Resource Officers said, “We look forward to developing relationships between Lakewood Police Officers and the youth of our town through this exciting Academy.”
The Bridge over Lake Carasaljo, Lakewood
For years, Lakewood residents have been asking for a bridge that goes over Lake Carasaljo. Lakewood Mayor Ray Coles said that in rebuilding other structures around the Lake, the township decided to actually build the bridge, constructing it of a plastic that is used for floating docks to minimize any upkeep. The bridge is about 800 to 850 feet long and was constructed by EZ Docks.
Mayor Coles said, “The site for the bridge is at a place where we don’t want boats going because it is muddy and full of weeds. In the past, boats that went into that area often got stuck. The police who went there to rescue those boaters, often got stuck too!!”
The construction did not take long — just a few months. The cost of construction and materials was about one million dollars, which was paid for with block grants that also included the police and recreation docks, and the resident recreation dock. No taxpayer money was used.
Patrick Donnelly, the municipal manage of Lakewood, said, “The bridge is heavily used, which is a positive. Currently there is a safety fence to prevent children from falling off the bridge. In addition, decorated panels are being installed over the fencing as an extra measure of safety.”
Since the bridge is mainly for walking, no scooters and e-bikes are allowed especially for the safety of pedestrians. Although no tables are on the bridge, benches to sit or fish from are available. People are advised to wear hats because no covers exist to shield walkers from the sun.
Mayor Coles said, “We are always looking to increase the recreational activities for our residents. With the construction of the bridge, more people have access to the lake and more people can enjoy the water.”
Photos by Jason Ochs, Lakewood DPW
Supporting Mental Wellness in the Workplace – Join HR Professionals June 13
What are the signs and symptoms of mental health and/or substance disorders in the workplace? Increase awareness of helpful resources and information about protective factors at the breakfast meeting of JSAHR (Jersey Shore Association for Human Resources), open to the public, on Thursday, June 13 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Jumping Brook Country Club, 210 Jumping Brook Road, Neptune.
Breakfast begins at 8:00 a.m., followed by announcements at 8:30 and the speaker at 9:00 a.m. The Career Transformation Group begins at 10:00 a.m.
Nicole Tierney, J.D., M.S., a Licensed Professional Counselor, and a Licensed Clinical Drug and Alcohol Counselor, will explain the frequency of mental health and/or substance abuse disorders; the signs and symptoms; the resources that provide treatment and support for those experiencing these disorders; and the ways to improve mental wellness in the workplace.
Registration including breakfast is $35 for JSAHR members; $50 for non-members; $25 for each guest and those in-transition; and $10 for students with a valid ID. Registrations are online at: http://jsahr.shrm.org/events or admin@jsahr.org or call JSAHR at 732-701-7155. The sponsor of this meeting is Manasquan Bank.
JSAHR is a SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) affiliated chapter. This program is pending one (1) SHRM PDC and one (1) HRCI (Human Resource Certification Institute) recertification credit.
About Nicole “Nikki” Tierney: Nicole “Nikki” Tierney received her Juris Doctor with honors from Rutgers School of Law, Newark, in 1997. She practiced law for nearly 10 years until her opioid use disorder had become so severe, she surrendered her license to practice. In 2007, after trying for years to remain abstinent from opioid and other drugs, Tierney felt helpless and attempted to end her life. Unknowingly, that began the start of her journey to health and wellness.
Since that dark day in 2007, Tierney has finally received evidence-based treatment for her previously undiagnosed mental health disorders (major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder) and has focused on living her best life and moving forward from her past negative experiences. Towards that end, she returned to Monmouth University graduate school where she obtained her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Addiction Studies. She graduated w a 4.0 GPA and received the 2021 Advocacy Award from the Department of Professional Counseling. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Tierney and her children founded a small nonprofit charity in honor of her parents, Hope is NEVER Lost and has a private practice Hope-Fullness Counseling, Prevention, and Education. She is also a policy analyst for the National Center for Advocacy and Recovery. Tierney has made it her mission to decrease stigma and barriers to treatment for mental health and substance use disorders.